Huntsman Develops Breakthrough Bio-Based Polyurethane System For Lower Carbon Automotive Acoustic Applications

Everberg, BELGIUM – Huntsman today announced the launch of ACOUSTIFLEX® VEF BIO system – a pioneering bio-based viscoelastic foam technology for molded acoustic applications in the automotive industry that contains up to 20% bio-based content, derived from vegetable oils. This new solution can lower the carbon footprint of automotive carpet back-foaming by up to 25% compared to existing Huntsman systems for this application*. The technology can also be used for dash and wheel arch insulation.

ACOUSTIFLEX® VEF BIO system addresses rising demand for material technologies that can help automotive manufacturers lower their carbon footprint – but are still high-performing. Through careful formulation, Huntsman has integrated bio-based content into its ACOUSTIFLEX VEF® BIO system with zero impact on any of the acoustic or mechanical characteristics that automotive component manufacturers and OEMs seek to achieve.

Irina Bolshakova, Global Marketing Lead for Automotive Polyurethanes at Huntsman, explains more: “Previously, there was a frustration that incorporating bio-based content into a polyurethane foam system would have a detrimental impact on performance, specifically on emission and odor levels. The development of our ACOUSTIFLEX® VEF BIO system proves that doesn’t need to be the case.”

• When it comes to acoustic performance, analysis experiments show that Huntsman’s original VEF systems can outclass standard high resilient (HR) foams at lower frequencies (<500 Hz). ACOUSTIFLEX® VEF BIO system does the same – achieving the same magnitude of sound reducing capability.
• In developing ACOUSTIFLEX® VEF BIO system, Huntsman has continued its work in the development of zero-amine, zero-plasticiser, and extremely low aldehyde emitting PU foams. As a result, the system is both low emission and low odor.
• ACOUSTIFLEX® VEF BIO system remains lightweight. Introducing bio content into its VEF systems, Huntsman has worked hard to ensure that the weight of the material is not affected.
• Huntsman’s automotive team has also ensured there are no associated processing disadvantages. ACOUSTIFLEX® VEF BIO system can still be used to quickly create components that have complex geometric shapes and sharp angles, with high productivity rates and demould times as low as 80 seconds – depending on part design.

Continuing, Irina said: “Polyurethanes are very hard to beat when it comes to pure acoustic performance. They are incredibly effective at muffling sound, reducing vibrations, and dampening down any harshness caused by the movement of a vehicle. Our ACOUSTIFLEX® VEF BIO system takes that to the next level. Incorporating bio-based content into the mix to deliver a lower carbon acoustic solution, that does not compromise emission or odor requirements, is far better for vehicle brands and their partners and customers – but also the planet.’

For more information about ACOUSTIFLEX® VEF BIO solution, email: polyurethanes_eu@huntsman.com or learn more here.

Footnote:
*Compared to existing ACOUSTIFLEX® polyurethane systems of Huntsman. Internal LCA study, CML GWP including biogenic CO2 indicator.

About Huntsman:

Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2021 revenues of approximately $8 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 70 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 30 countries and employ approximately 9,000 associates within our four distinct business divisions. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.

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Forward-Looking Statements:

ACOUSTIFLEX® is a registered trademark of Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof in one or more countries, but not all countries.

Certain information in this release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman’s operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting the ability to implement cost reductions, timing of proposed transactions, and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

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